Built in 1951,[1] it presents artifacts from archaeological sites in Jordan, dating from prehistoric times to the 15th century.

The collections are arranged in chronological order and include items of everyday life such as flint, glass, metal and pottery objects, as well as more artistic items such as jewelry and statues.

Highlights of the museum collections include some of the ʿAin Ghazal statues, which are among oldest statues ever made, and plastered human skulls from Jericho.

The museum formerly housed some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the only Copper scroll, which are now on display in the newly established Jordan Museum, along with some of the Ain Ghazal statues.

Two historic sites are nearby on top of the hill, the Roman Temple of Hercules that dates back to the 2nd century, and an Umayyad palace that dates back to the 8th century.